Racing family shows support for injured driver

In a minute his life changed. JB Morris, 23, of Bloomingburg suffered severe injuries in a car accident that happened right down the street from his house on March 13. Morris was a passenger in the back seat when the driver swerved to miss a deer and hit a tree. Morris spent six weeks in the hospital as they tried to repair a...

In a minute his life changed. JB Morris, 23, of Bloomingburg suffered severe injuries in a car accident that happened right down the street from his house on March 13. Morris was a passenger in the back seat when the driver swerved to miss a deer and hit a tree. Morris spent six weeks in the hospital as they tried to repair all the damage. His parents, Lori and Joe Morris, wondered first of all if their son would even make it through the recovery, and, secondly, would he ever be able to race again.

Since Morris was 8 years old, he's been racing. He started out racing go-karts at Oakland Valley and now races in the 4-cylinder Advanced Class at Bethel Motor Speedway.

Morris loves the track, and the outpouring of support from the drivers who share his passion shocked him. Tracy Harris Chirico, who works at Bethel Motor Speedway, made a poster with photos of Morris racing, his race car and a photo of him and his parents holding the checkered flag at his feature win at Bethel. During the 2013 Orange County Fair Speedway Motorsports show in March, all the drivers signed the piece with well wishes. Morris received the poster while still recovering in the hospital, and it turned into a very emotional moment for him and his parents.

After three weeks in ICU, two weeks in the surgical unit and then another stay in rehab, Morris was finally ready to come home. First things first, a visit to the track.

On April 27, Morris and his parents visited Bethel Motor Speedway. Tracy met them at the gate, and Morris handed her flowers for making the poster. Then there was a crackle and the announcer came over the track speakers and announced that Morris had arrived. The announcer reminded the fans about Morris' horrific accident. Everyone present at the track that night stood and applauded him.

After a brief interview, Morris was surprised and honored to see his friend Walt Henry, who also drives in Morris' class, raced his car that night, but it wore the double zero, which is Morris' car number. The best part was, he won! Walt called Morris to the winner's circle and handed him his trophy and also shared the win photo.

There weren't many dry eyes at the track that night, but it was an experience that Morris and his parents will never forget. They also found out that those who share a passion such as racing are a family, and they are very thankful for all the prayers and kind words.

JB is doing OK. He still has a very long road ahead, with weekly doctor appointments and more surgery, but Lori and Joe are grateful to have their son. "This is the best Mother's Day I could ever wish for," Lori said. JB hopes to get back on the track next year.

Lori and Joe extend their thanks to the staff in the ICU unit and the trauma surgeon at Orange Regional Medical Center for taking such good care of their son.